Dr Ogunjobi Festus Olalekan, a young scholar who have learnt a useful lesson from an Italian proverb that says, “knowledge is silver among the poor, gold among the nobles and a jewel among princes”, hailed his parents for prioritizing his education far beyond frivolities.
Dr Ogunjobi recently completed his doctorate degree in Development Economics from prestigious Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, expressed gratitude to his parents despite being late for their sacrifice and dedication to their children’s education which he described “exemplary”.
Dr Ogunjobi, a man of impeccable character, highly disciplined, ethically acculturated and professionally grounded in the discharge of his duties, in this exclusive interview with Media Bypass News, said, his concluding part of the acknowledgment in his Doctorate thesis was dedicated to his parents.
It reads: “And to my late parents, Chief Emmanuel Ogunjobi and Mrs. Comfort Ogunjobi, your sacrifice and dedication to your children were exemplary, especially when it comes to education. Death ends a life, but not a legacy.
“The solid academic foundation you laid for your children is still bringing forth good fruits. This thesis is another viable productivity of your investment in education. Thank you, Dad and Mum.”
Ogunjobi recalled how his mum was flabbergasted when one of his brother, Chief Sesan Okutoro got admission to University of Lagos (Unilag) because she never knew there was another institution or citadel of learning after modern School.
The young Professor said, “To God be the glory, her son is now a Ph.D. holder, the highest academic degree. How I wish they were alive to take pictures with me in my Ph.D. regalia”.
Speaking on what it like attaining this milestone, Ogunjobi said acquiring doctorate degree in development economics is a call to action, an impetus to do more by identifying prevalent economic issues, embarking on academic research, and proffering solutions for decision-makers.
According to him, “though success is not an accident and it is exhilarating to achieve success in an endeavor. As an unapologetic knowledge seeker, the drive to acquire the knowledge needed to solve economic issues spurred me to embark on this journey, but I got more than I bargained for in terms of challenges and benefits”.
Ogunjobi attributed his greatest fear in life to “failure”, but doesn’t underestimate any challenge in life, while revealed that he attended to all his endeavors strategically. “I always focus on goals, plan my activities, deploy skills, acquire knowledge where and when necessary, monitor progress, review, and evaluate to ensure success.
“Even if things don’t go as planned, I still persevere, re-assess, re-strategize, be consistent, and keep my eyes on the ball to achieve the desired goal with integrity and fear of God. Regardless of the efforts we put in, the ends always justify the means”, he said.
Dr Ogunjobi who noted that nobody should be underrated said, “Just like in the words of Sun Tzu in The Art of War, which says, “If you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
“This implies that if you only know yourself but not your opponent, you may win or lose, and if you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself. And when it comes to decision-making, I put game theory to test, amongst other strategic skills, with prayers to take appropriate decisions in life”, he added.
While advising Nigerian youths who are aspiring to climb this ladder, Ogunjobi made it clear that the road to success is not straight, he added, “there is a curve, a loop, speed bumps, caution lights, and flat tyres amongst others. Therefore, they need to have a clear goal or vision, be strategic, focused with a positive mindset, and keep their eyes on the ball.
“Though the duration of Doctorate degree should be three to six years, depending on the course, experience shows that it takes more than that due to the complexity of the study, the limited available resources, (time, funds) and the structure of the programme”, he noted.
Dr Ogunjobi implored the Nigerian youths who are willing to attain this stage to be ready to prioritize and dedicate their time, funds, and intent at every stage of the study, acknowledged that at the end, it will be a victory song.
Dr Ogunjobi a member of Institute of chartered Economist of Nigeria and Institute of Chartered Mediator and Conciliator of Nigeria, worked with United Bank for Africa Plc before his passion for growth and development of his State and the nation at large overshadow the love for money.
Dr. Ogunjobi then joined Ogun State Local Government Service Commission in 2004, earned himself various awards, gift and most significantly from the Local Government Service Commission, notable amongst them was the Letter of commendation from LGSC in the year 2021 and financial reward from Sagamu Local Government for his exemplary contribution to the growth and development of the local Government area.
In concomitant, Dr. Ogunjobi was awarded as the most outstanding Civil Servant on Integrity and Accountability in Ogun State for year 2016 by DAMA Communication, a media outfit based in Ogun State, Most Outstanding Planning Officer in Ogun State Local Govt Service in the year 2017, he is married and blessed with lovely family.